60-Year-Old Radioactive Threat Unearthed In Midland

A recent scare in Midland County had the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) recover a 60-year-old radioactive source partially buried that was emitting dangerous levels of radiation.

What Caused the Radiation in Midland?

A Corporal from DPS' Radiological/Nuclear Threat Detection Unit was on patrol along S County Road 1210 in Midland County when his system began alerting him to radiation exposure.

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A systematic survey was immediately conducted, revealing that there was a source nearby emitting dangerous amounts of radiation from the ground.

Several agencies dispatched assistance for the corporal, including the FBI, the Texas Department of State Health Services, and the Midland Fire Department Hazardous Materials Team. An excavation plan was then set to attempt to uncover the source of the radiation.

During the process, radiation levels were closely monitored for all personnel to ensure exposure was kept to a minimum and within safety protocols.

A 60-Year-Old Source

Soon, the source was finally discovered. Buried just six to eight inches below the earth was a 100-millicurie Cs-137 source that has been sealed since it was first manufactured in April 1967. Check out the Radiation Emergency Medical Management webpage from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services to learn more about millicurie conversions.

The isotope Cesium (Cs)-137 is most commonly a byproduct of nuclear fission. It's often used in radiation therapy devices for treating cancer, and long-term exposure can cause burns, severe illnesses, and even death, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

The source in Midland County was safely recovered without incident, and it was confirmed that there was no threat to the public following its extraction.

Who Locates Radiation Exposure in Texas?

Did you know that DPS' Radiological/Nuclear Threat Detection Team composes eight people for the entire state of Texas? Just one lieutenant, one sergeant, and six corporals, each with advanced training, handles the detection and prevention of radiological and nuclear material across the state.

Through screenings and visits to divisions and law enforcement partners across Texas, the Threat Detection Team is currently working on making every DPS Trooper able to serve as radiological and nuclear threat screeners in order to broaden their scope.